Reusable surgical retrieval apparatus with disposable cartridge assembly

ABSTRACT

A surgical retrieval apparatus includes a tube assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a plunger assembly. The cartridge assembly is releasably engagable with the tube assembly and includes an end effector assembly disposed therein. The end effector assembly includes a specimen retrieval bag releasably coupled thereto at a distal end thereof and a first engagement member disposed at a proximal end thereof. The plunger assembly is configured for insertion through the tube assembly and into the cartridge assembly. The plunger assembly includes a second engagement member configured for releasably engaging the first engagement member. When the first and second engagement members are engaged with one another, the plunger assembly is movable between a more proximal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are retracted within the cartridge assembly, and a more distal position, wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag are deployed from the cartridge assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/713,075 filed Dec. 13, 2012, which is a claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/589,464, filedJan. 23, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a retrieval apparatus, and moreparticularly, to a surgical retrieval apparatus that includes reusablecomponents and a disposable cartridge assembly.

Background of Related Art

In minimally invasive surgical procedures, operations are carried outwithin the body by using elongated instruments inserted through smallentrance openings in the body. The initial opening in the body tissue toallow passage of instruments to the interior of the body may be anatural passageway of the body, or it can be created by a tissuepiercing instrument such as a trocar, or created by a small incisioninto which a cannula is inserted.

Because the tubes, instrumentation, and any required punctures orincisions are relatively small, the surgery is less invasive as comparedto conventional surgical procedures in which the surgeon is required tocut open large areas of body tissue. Therefore, minimally invasivesurgery minimizes trauma to the patient and reduces patient recoverytime and hospital costs.

Minimally invasive procedures may be used for partial or total removalof body tissue or organs from the interior of the body, e.g.nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, lobectomy and other procedures includingthoracic, abdominal, laparoscopic, and endoscopic procedures. Duringsuch procedures, it is common that a cyst, tumor, or other affectedtissue or organ needs to be removed via the access opening in the skin,or through a cannula. Various types of entrapment devices have beendisclosed to facilitate this procedure. In many procedures wherecancerous tumors are removed, removal of the specimen in an enclosedenvironment is highly desirable to inhibit seeding of cancer cells.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgicalretrieval apparatus is provided. The surgical retrieval apparatusincludes a tube assembly, a cartridge assembly, and a plunger assembly.The tube assembly includes a lumen extending longitudinallytherethrough. The cartridge assembly is releasably engagable with thetube assembly and includes an end effector assembly operably coupledthereto. The end effector assembly includes a specimen retrieval bagreleasably coupled thereto at a distal end thereof and a firstengagement member disposed at a proximal end thereof. The plungerassembly is configured for insertion at least partially through thelumen of the tube assembly and into the cartridge assembly. The plungerassembly includes a second engagement member that is configured forreleasably engaging the first engagement member of the end effectorassembly. When the first and second engagement members are engaged withone another, the plunger assembly is movable relative to the tubeassembly and the cartridge assembly between a more proximal position,wherein the end effector assembly and specimen retrieval bag areretracted within the cartridge assembly, and a more distal position,wherein the end effector assembly extends distally from the cartridgeassembly to deploy the specimen retrieval bag.

In one embodiment, the tube assembly and the cartridge assembly areconfigured for snap-fit engagement with one another. In such anembodiment, an audible feedback signal is produced upon snap-fitengagement of the tube assembly and the cartridge assembly with oneanother to indicate to the user that the tube assembly and the cartridgeassembly are engaged with one another.

In another embodiment, the first engagement member and the secondengagement member are configured for snap-fit engagement with oneanother. In such an embodiment, an audible feedback signal is producedupon snap-fit engagement of the first engagement member and the secondengagement member with one another to indicate to the user that theplunger assembly and the end effector assembly are engaged with oneanother.

In another embodiment, the plunger assembly is further movable relativeto the tube assembly and the cartridge assembly to an eject position todisengage the cartridge assembly and the tube assembly from one another.

In yet another embodiment, a lock tab is releasably engagable with thecartridge assembly. The lock tab is configured to inhibit deployment ofthe specimen retrieval bag when the lock tab is engaged with thecartridge assembly.

In still another embodiment, a cinch cord is coupled to an open end ofthe specimen retrieval bag. The cinch cord is selectively tensionable tocinch closed the specimen retrieval bag. Further, a cord slot may bedefined within the cartridge assembly. The cord slot is configured toreceive the cinch cord therethrough to facilitate closing of thespecimen retrieval bag upon tensioning of the cinch cord.

In yet another embodiment, a pull ring is coupled to the cinch cord. Thepull ring is selectively movable relative to the end effector assemblyto cinch closed the specimen retrieval bag. Further, the pull ring maybe configured to be movable from an initial position, wherein the pullring is disposed about the cartridge assembly, to a use position,wherein the pull ring is disposed about the tube assembly. From the useposition, the pull ring may be removed from the tube assembly and pulledproximally to cinch closed the specimen retrieval bag.

In still another embodiment, the specimen retrieval bag includes aperforated section adjacent an open end thereof. The specimen retrievalbag is configured to tear along the perforated section as the specimenretrieval bag is cinched closed to disengage the specimen retrieval bagfrom the end effector assembly.

In still yet another embodiment, the tube assembly and the plungerassembly are formed as reusable components, while the cartridge assemblyis formed as a disposable component.

A surgical kit is provided in accordance with another embodiment of thepresent disclosure and generally includes a reusable tube assembly, areusable plunger assembly, and a plurality of disposable cartridgeassemblies. The reusable tube assembly includes a lumen extendinglongitudinally therethrough. The reusable plunger assembly is insertableat least partially through the lumen of the tube assembly. Each of thedisposable cartridge assemblies is releasably engagable with the tubeassembly and includes an end effector assembly that is operably disposedtherein. Each of the end effector assemblies includes a specimenretrieval bag that is deployable from the cartridge assembly uponmovement of the end effector assembly from a retracted position to anextended position. Further, each end effector assembly is releasablyengagable with the plunger assembly such that movement of the plungerassembly between a more proximal position and a more distal positionmoves the end effector assembly between the retracted position and theextended position.

In one embodiment, the plunger assembly is further movable from the moredistal position to an eject position to disengage the cartridge assemblyand the tube assembly from one another.

In another embodiment, the tube assembly and the plunger assembly areeach formed from a durable, sterilizable material to facilitatesterilization and reuse of the tube assembly and the plunger assembly.

In yet another embodiment, feedback, e.g., audible and/or tactilefeedback, is provided upon engagement of the tube assembly and each ofthe cartridge assemblies with one another. Feedback, e.g., audibleand/or tactile feedback, may also be provided upon engagement of theplunger assembly and each of the end effector assemblies with oneanother.

In another embodiment, each of the cartridge assemblies includes a locktab releasably engagable therewith. The lock tab is configured toinhibit deployment of the specimen retrieval bag when the lock tab isengaged with the cartridge assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the subject surgical retrieval apparatus aredescribed herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a surgical retrievalapparatus in accordance with the present disclosure,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tube assembly of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a plunger assembly of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cartridge assembly of the surgicalretrieval apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. 4, shownwith parts separated;

FIG. 5B is a side, cut-away view of one embodiment of a specimenretrieval bag configured for use with the cartridge assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5C is perspective view of another embodiment of a end effectorassembly configured for use with the cartridge assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5D is a side view of another embodiment of a specimen retrieval bagconfigured for use with the cartridge assembly of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the cartridge assembly and the tubeassembly disengaged from one another;

FIG. 7A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the cartridgeassembly and the tube assembly disengaged from one another;

FIG. 7B is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the cartridgeassembly and the tube assembly engaged with one another;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatus withthe plunger assembly spaced-apart from the tube assembly;

FIG. 9A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a proximal end of thecartridge assembly with the cartridge assembly and the plunger assemblydisengaged from one another;

FIG. 9B is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the proximal end ofthe cartridge assembly with the cartridge assembly and the plungerassembly engaged with one another;

FIG. 10 is a transverse, cross-sectional view of the cartridge assemblyincluding a lock tab engaged thereon;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatus withthe plunger inserted into the tube assembly and engaged with thecartridge assembly;

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a distal end of thecartridge assembly with an end effector assembly in the retractedposition;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatus beinginserted through an access port positioned within an opening in tissue;

FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the cartridgeassembly being inserted through the access port of FIG. 13A and into aninternal body cavity, wherein the end effector assembly is in theretracted position;

FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatus beinginserted through a cannula positioned within an opening in tissue;

FIG. 13D is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the cartridgeassembly being inserted through the cannula of FIG. 13C and into aninternal body cavity, wherein the end effector assembly is in theretracted position;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusinserted through the access port positioned within the opening in tissuewith the plunger assembly in a distal position;

FIG. 14B is cross-sectional view of the distal end of the cartridgeassembly inserted through the access port and into the internal bodycavity, wherein the end effector assembly is in a deployed position todeploy a specimen retrieval bag;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, perspective view of the distal end of thecartridge assembly with the end effector assembly in the deployedposition;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatusinserted through the access port positioned within the opening in tissuewith the pull-ring disengaged from the tube assembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatus withthe end effector assembly in the retracted position and the specimenretrieval bag cinched closed;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the specimen retrieval bag beingremoved from the internal body cavity through the access port;

FIG. 19A is a side view of a proximal end of the tube assembly with theplunger assembly inserted therethrough in a distal position;

FIG. 19B is a side view of the proximal end of the tube assembly withthe plunger assembly inserted further therethrough to an eject position;

FIG. 20A is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the cartridgeassembly and the tube assembly in an engaged position;

FIG. 20B is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the cartridgeassembly and the tube assembly showing the cartridge assembly beingseparated from the tube assembly; and

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the surgical retrieval apparatuswherein the cartridge assembly has been separated from the tube assemblyand the plunger assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the presently disclosed surgical retrievalapparatus, and methods of using the same, will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings wherein like references numeralsidentify similar or identical elements. In the drawings, and in thefollowing description, the term “proximal” should be understood asreferring to the end of the apparatus, or component thereof, that iscloser to the clinician during proper use, while the term “distal”should be understood as referring to the end that is farther from theclinician, as is traditional and conventional in the art.

Turning now to FIGS. 1-5A, a surgical retrieval apparatus in accordancewith the present disclosure is shown generally identified by referencenumeral 10. Surgical retrieval apparatus 10 generally includes a tubeassembly 100, a plunger assembly 200, a cartridge assembly 300, a locktab 400, and a pull ring 500. Tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly 200are configured as reusable components. More specifically, tube assembly100 and plunger assembly 200 are formed from strong, durable,sterilizable material(s), e.g., stainless steel, such that tube assembly100 and plunger assembly 200 may be sterilized and reused. Cartridgeassembly 300, lock tab 400, and pull ring 500, on the other hand, areconfigured as single-use, limited use, or disposable components. As willbe described below, the disposable components of surgical retrievalapparatus 10, e.g., cartridge assembly 300, lock tab 400, and pull ring500, are easily and efficiently engagable/disengagable from the reusablecomponents, e.g., tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly 200, tofacilitate disassembly of the used, or first set of disposablecomponents from the reusable components after use and assembly of a new,or second set of disposable components with the sterilized reusablecomponents in preparation for subsequent use.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, tube assembly 100 includes an elongatedtubular member 102 (although other configurations, e.g., rectangular,polygonal, etc., are contemplated) having a lumen 104 extendingtherethrough, a grasping portion 110 disposed at proximal end 106 ofelongated tubular member 102, and an annular cuff 114 disposed aboutelongated tubular member 102 towards proximal end 106 thereof butspaced-apart from grasping portion 110 so as to define an exposedproximal segment 118 of elongated tubular member 102 between annularcuff 114 and grasping portion 110. Lumen 104 of elongated tubular member102 defines a diameter sufficient to permit passage of at least aportion of plunger assembly 200 therethrough. As mentioned above, tubeassembly 100 may be formed from stainless steel, or other suitablestrong, durable, sterilizable material. Tube assembly 100 may bemonolithically formed as a single component, or each of the components,e.g., elongated tubular member 102, grasping portion 110 and annularcuff 114, may be welded together or engaged with one another via anyother suitable process.

Elongated tubular member 102 of tube assembly 100 includes an annularrecess 120 (FIGS. 7A-7B) defined within the interior surface thereof anddisposed towards distal end 108 of elongated tubular member 102. Annularrecess 120, as will be described below, is configured to facilitateengagement of cartridge assembly 300 and elongated tubular member 102 oftube assembly 100 at distal end 108 of elongated tubular member 102.

Grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100 includes a pair of opposedflanges 130 extending radially outwardly from proximal end 106 ofelongated tubular member 102. Flanges 130 define oval-shapedconfigurations and are configured to facilitate grasping of tubeassembly 100. More specifically, this configuration of grasping portion110 of tube assembly 100 permits the clinician to grasp tube assembly100 in numerous configurations, while still being able to fullymanipulate and operate surgical retrieval apparatus 10. However, otherconfigurations of grasping portion 110 are also contemplated, e.g.,greater than two flanges 130 may be provided, flanges 130 may definedifferent configurations, flanges 130 may be configured as finger loops,etc.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 3, plunger assembly 200 includes ahandle 210 and an elongated shaft 220 extending distally from handle210. Handle 210 and elongated shaft 220 may be formed from stainlesssteel (or other suitable material(s)) and/or may be monolithicallyformed, welded, or otherwise engaged with one another. Handle 210includes a base 212 and a finger ring 214 extending proximally from base212 that is configured to facilitate grasping and translating plungerassembly 200. Other configurations of handle 210 are also contemplated,e.g., handle 210 may include grasping flanges (not shown) or othersuitable grasping features. As will be described below, plunger assembly200 is insertable into and is translatable relative to tube assembly 100amongst a disengaged position (FIG. 8), wherein plunger assembly 200 isdisengaged from surgical retrieval apparatus 10, a proximal use position(FIG. 11), wherein plunger assembly 200 is inserted partially throughtube assembly 100 and into engagement with end effector assembly 320(FIG. 5A) of cartridge assembly 300, a distal use position (FIGS. 14Aand 19A), wherein plunger assembly 200 is inserted further through tubeassembly 100 to deploy end effector assembly 320 (FIG. 5A) of cartridgeassembly 300, and an eject position (FIG. 19B), wherein plunger assembly200 is inserted further into tube assembly 100 to eject, disengage, orseparate cartridge assembly 300 from tube assembly 100.

Elongated shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 includes a distal segment222 defining a diameter “d₁,” a proximal segment 226 defining a diameter“d₂,” and a neck 230 interconnecting proximal segment 226 and base 212of handle 210. Diameters “d₁” and “d₂” are sufficiently small so as topermit translation of distal and proximal segments 222, 226,respectively, of elongated shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 throughlumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102 of tube assembly 100. Diameter“d₂” is greater than diameter “d₁” such that elongated shaft 220 definesa first step 232 at the interface between proximal segment 226 (whichdefines relatively larger diameter “d₂”) and distal segment 222 (whichdefines relatively smaller diameter “d₁”). As can be appreciated, thestep height of first step 232 is equal to the difference in diameterbetween proximal segment 226 and distal segment 222. Further, as will bedetailed below, first step 232 defines a recess 233 a and an angledsurface 233 b configured to facilitate ejection of cartridge assembly300 from tube assembly 100 (see FIGS. 20A-20B).

Proximal segment 226 of elongated shaft 220 further includes a taperedproximal end 228 such that a second step 234 is formed at the interfacebetween proximal segment 226 and neck 230. Neck 230 may define adiameter similar to that of proximal segment 226 such that second step234 defines a step height equal to the difference between the diameter“d₂” of proximal segment 226 and the minimum diameter of taperedproximal end 228 of proximal segment 226. Alternatively, neck 230 maydefine a diameter greater than that of proximal segment 226 such thatsecond step 234 defines an increased step height.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 9A and 9B, distal segment 222 ofelongated shaft 220 includes a distal head portion 240 extendingdistally from distal segment 222. An annular recess 242 is definedwithin the exterior surface of distal segment 222 between distal segment222 and distal head portion 240. Distal head portion 240 further definesan angled distal edge 243. Distal head portion 240 may be monolithicallyformed within distal segment 222 of elongated shaft 220, may be weldedthereto, or may be engaged to distal segment 222 in any other suitablefashion. Distal head portion 240, angled distal edge 243, and annularrecess 242, as will be described below, are configured to facilitateengagement of elongated shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 and endeffector assembly 320 (FIG. 5) of cartridge assembly 300 with oneanother.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5A, cartridge assembly 300 includes atubular housing 302 (although other configurations, e.g., rectangular,polygonal, etc., are contemplated) and an end effector assembly 320slidably disposed within tubular housing 302. Tubular housing 302includes a distal end 301, a proximal end 303, and a lumen 305 extendingtherethrough. Proximal end 303 of tubular housing 302 includes a cap 306extending proximally therefrom that is configured to engage annularrecess 120 (FIGS. 7A-7B) defined within elongated tubular member 102 toengage cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 with one another.Cap 306, as will be described below, includes a neck 308 and a head 310that defines a tapered configuration having one or more relief slots 312defined therein (see FIGS. 7A-7B). Distal end 301 of tubular housing 302includes a lock slot 314 defined therethrough that is configured toreceive lock tab 400. Distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 furtherincludes a cord slot 316 including a cord aperture 318 that isconfigured to receive cinch cord 350 therethrough.

Cartridge assembly 300 is configured for insertion through an opening intissue, e.g., through a surgical access portal 600 (FIGS. 13A-13B) orcannula 600′ (FIGS. 13C-13D) disposed within an opening or incision “I”(FIGS. 13A-13B) in tissue “T” (FIGS. 13A-13B), and into an internalsurgical site, or body cavity “C.” As such, it is envisioned thattubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 and elongated tubularmember 102 of tube assembly 100 together define a sufficient length suchthat cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 may be advanced atleast partially through the incision “I” (FIGS. 13A-13B) and into theinternal body cavity “C” to a position adjacent a tissue specimen “S”(FIG. 14B) to be removed, while grasping portion 110 of tube assembly100 and handle 210 of plunger assembly 200 remain external of thepatient.

End effector assembly 320 is slidably disposed within tubular housing302 of cartridge assembly 300 and generally includes a push bar 322, apair of arms 328 a, 328 b (collectively arms 328), and a specimenretrieval bag 330. End effector assembly 320 is longitudinallytranslatable through and relative to tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300 between an insertion/removal or retracted position (FIG.12), wherein arms 328 and specimen retrieval bag 330 are disposed withintubular housing 302, and an extended or deployed position (FIG. 14B),wherein arms 328 a, 328 b extend distally from tubular housing 302 todeploy specimen retrieval bag 330. As will be described below, movementof plunger assembly 200 between the proximal use position (FIG. 13A) andthe distal use position (FIG. 14A) transitions end effector assembly 320between the retracted position (FIGS. 12 and 13B) and the deployedposition (FIG. 14B).

Arms 328 a, 328 b of end effector assembly 320 are coupled to distal end323 of push bar 322 via pin 329 and are movable, upon translation ofpush bar 322, between the retracted position, wherein arms 328 a, 328 bare retained in a substantially-straight configuration in closeproximity to one another within tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300, and the deployed position, wherein arms 328 a, 328 bextend distally from tubular housing 302 to define a spaced-apart,curvate configuration, (see FIGS. 5A and 14B), although otherconfigurations, e.g., linear arms, are also contemplated. Arms 328 a,328 b of end effector assembly 320 are further configured for releasablyretaining specimen retrieval bag 330 thereon. More specifically, arms328 a, 328 b are configured for removable positioning within loop 334formed at open end 333 of specimen retrieval bag 330 to retain specimenretrieval bag 330 thereon. Arms 328 a, 328 b may be biased toward thespaced-apart, curvate configuration such that, upon reaching thedeployed position, e.g., upon extension of arms 328 a, 328 b fromtubular housing 302, arms 328 a, 328 b are automatically deployed, i.e.,arms 328 a, 328 b are resiliently returned, to the spaced-apart curvateconfiguration to transition and maintain specimen retrieval bag 330 inan open condition.

Push bar 322, as mentioned above, is slidably disposed within tubularhousing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 and includes a pair of opposedapertures 325 defined therethrough that are configured to receive pin329 therethrough for engaging arms 328 a, 328 b to push bar 322 atdistal end 323 of push bar 322. Push bar 322 further includes a pair ofring-shaped recesses 324 a, 324 b defined therein that are configured toreceive first and second O-rings 326 a, 326 b, respectively. O-rings 326a, 326 b are configured for frictionally retaining push bar 322 inposition within tubular housing 302 to inhibit accidental or inadvertentdeployment or retraction of end effector assembly 320. However, thefrictional force between O-rings 326 a, 326 b and tubular housing 302 issufficiently small so as to permit translation of end effector assembly320 through tubular housing 302, e.g., upon translation of plunger 200(FIG. 3) between the proximal use position and the distal use position.Further, the interface between O-rings 326 a, 326 b and an inner wall oftubular housing 302 provides a substantially fluid-tight barrier.

Push bar 322 further includes a hollow proximal end 327 that defines anannular protrusion 328 on an internal surface thereof. Annularprotrusion 328, as will be detailed below, is configured for engagementwithin annular recess 242 defined between distal head portion 240 anddistal segment 222 of plunger assembly 220 (see FIGS. 3, 9A, and 9B) toengage plunger assembly 200 (FIG. 3) and end effector assembly 320 withone another. Push bar 322 may be formed from a resilient material, e.g.,a biocompatible polymer or other suitable material, to facilitateengagement of plunger assembly 200 (FIG. 3) and end effector assembly320 with one another.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, specimen retrieval bag 330 isremovably engagable with arms 328 of end effector assembly 320, anddepends therefrom. More specifically, specimen retrieval bag 330 isfolded over at an open end 333 thereof to form a loop 334 around theouter periphery thereof. Specimen retrieval bag 330 is transitionablebetween a rolled-up, or storage position corresponding to the retractedposition of end effector assembly 320, and an open, or deployed positioncorresponding to the deployed position of end effector assembly 320. Acinch cord 350 is disposed through loop 334 of specimen retrieval bag330. First and second ends 352, 354, respectively, of cinch cord 350extend proximally from loop 334 of specimen retrieval bag 330. One ofthe ends, e.g., first end 352, is looped, or otherwise disposed aboutsecond end 354 thereof (see FIG. 5A), while the other end, e.g., secondend 354, extends proximally though cord aperture 318 of cord slot 316defined within distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300, ultimately engaging, i.e., knotting about, pull ring 500.Accordingly, as will be described in greater detail below, upon proximaltranslation of pull ring 500 relative to end effector assembly 320,cinch cord 350 is likewise pulled proximally to tension cinch cord 350such that specimen retrieval bag 330 is cinched closed.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, it is envisioned thatspecimen retrieval bag 330 be formed from any suitable bio-compatiblematerial (or materials), e.g., 30 Denier Ripstop Nylon, configured toretain a specimen of tissue “S” (FIG. 18) therein and to inhibit thepassage of fluids and biological materials therethrough. The bag 330 caninclude a coating, such as a polyurethane coating, to prevent egress offluid if a permeable bag is utilized or to improve the impermeability.The coating can be placed on the inner surface and/or the outer surfaceof the bag 330. Specimen retrieval bag 330 includes a lower portion 332having a minimized cross-section configured to re-orient or re-positionthe specimen of tissue “S” (FIG. 18) within specimen retrieval bag 330to facilitate removal of specimen retrieval bag 330 from an internalbody cavity, and a relatively expansive upper portion 335 configured tofacilitate positioning of relatively large specimen of tissue “S” (FIG.18) within specimen retrieval bag 330. In other words, lower portion 332has a smaller transverse dimension than upper portion 335. Morespecifically, upper portion 335 of specimen retrieval bag 330 has afirst side 336 and a generally angled side 337 disposed opposite firstside 336. Angled side 337 tapers inwardly such that the transversedimension of upper portion 335 of specimen retrieval bag 330progressively decreases toward the lower portion 332 of specimenretrieval bag 330. Wall 338, which opposes wall 339 in lower portion 332of specimen retrieval bag 330, extends substantially parallel to wall339 such that the transverse dimension of lower portion 332 remainssubstantially constant along a length thereof. Alternatively, specimenretrieval bag 330 may be formed in various other configurationsdepending on the intended use of specimen retrieval bag 330.

Specimen retrieval bag 330 may in some embodiments further include ahigh-friction mesh material disposed on an inner surface thereof tofacilitate retention of the tissue specimen “S” (FIG. 18) therein. Inother embodiments, the bag shape is relied on to retain the specimen “S”(FIG. 18) and a smooth inner surface is provided to enable easy passageof the tissue specimen “S” (FIG. 18) from the upper loading area, i.e.,upper portion 335, of the bag 330 to the lower shaping region, i.e.,lower portion 332, of the bag 330 during extraction.

Specimen retrieval bag 330 further includes, in some embodiments, achannel 345 formed therein. The channel 345 can be formed as integralwith the bag material or alternatively can be in the form of a separatetube attached to the bag 330, e.g. attached to an inner surface. Thechannel 345 includes at least one opening or slot (not explicitly shown)along its length to allow the passage of air into the channel 345.Preferably, a plurality of slots or openings (not explicitly shown) isprovided to enable communication between the air and/or fluid in the bag330 and the interior of the channel 345. The channel 345 in someembodiments can also terminate at its distal end spaced from the bottomof the bag 330 to communicate at a distal opening with the interior ofthe bag 330 to provide another path for the escape of air fluid.Further, the proximal end of channel 345, in some embodiments, may beopen to communicate with the exterior of the bag 330.

A support member (or support members) 340 may be disposed withinspecimen retrieval bag 330 to help inhibit collapse of the channel 345and/or for biasing specimen retrieval bag 330 toward an open positionupon deployment from surgical retrieval apparatus 10. Support member 340may be formed from, for example, an open cell foam, or other suitablematerial that enables the passage of air and/or fluid therethrough, thusallowing air and/or fluid to escape specimen retrieval bag 330 uponcollapse or compression of specimen retrieval bag 330 to reduce theinternal pressure within specimen retrieval bag 330. More specifically,the open cell foam is preferably of a transverse cross-section less thanthe transverse cross-section of the channel 345. In this manner, airand/or fluid entering the channel 345 from the bag 330 can flow aroundthe foam material through the channel 345. Note that due to the opencell foam, the air or fluid can also flow through the open cell foamitself. This way, if the channel 345 collapses or is compressed duringspecimen retrieval, air and fluid can still escape. The escape of airand fluid is caused as the pressure is applied to the bag 330 duringwithdrawal through access portal 600 (FIGS. 13A-13B), or other openingin tissue “T” (FIGS. 13A-13B). As the bag 330 is compressed, the airand/or fluid is forced proximally through the channel 345, exiting theopen proximal end thereof. Thus, this decrease in pressure preventsballing of the specimen “S” (FIG. 18) at the bottom of the bag 330 andfacilitates removal. Other suitable specimen retrieval bags (not shown)may also be provided for use in conjunction with surgical retrievalapparatus 10.

With reference to FIG. 5C in conjunction with FIGS. 1-5A, anotherembodiment of an end effector assembly 320′ configured for use withcartridge assembly 300 (FIG. 5A) is shown. End effector assembly 320′,similar to end effector assembly 320 (FIG. 5A), is configured forslidable positioning within tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly300 such that end effector assembly 320′ may be longitudinallytranslated through and relative to tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300 between an insertion/removal or retracted position (FIG.12), and an extended or deployed position (FIG. 14B).

End effector assembly 320′ is configured to engage a pair of arms(similar to arms 328 a, 328 b of end effector assembly 320) that, inturn, are configured to releasably retain a specimen retrieval bag,e.g., specimen retrieval bag 330, specimen retrieval bag 330′ (FIG. 5D),or any other suitable specimen retrieval bag, thereon. Morespecifically, arms 328 a, 328 b are configured for engagement withindistal end 323′ of push bar 322′ of end effector assembly 320′ via pin329′ such that arms 328 a, 328 b are movable upon translation of pushbar 322′ between the retracted position and the deployed position,similarly as described above with respect to end effector assembly 320.Arms 328 a, 328 b, as mentioned above, are configured to releasablyretain specimen retrieval bag 330 (or specimen retrieval bag 330′ (FIG.5D) or any other suitable specimen retrieval bag) thereon.

Push bar 322′ further includes one or more proximally-extendingengagement fingers 326′, e.g., two engagement fingers 326′, extendingfrom proximal end 324′ thereof that are configured for engagement withinannular recess 242 of distal head portion 240 of plunger assembly 200 toengage plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320 with oneanother. Engagement fingers 326′ may be formed from a resilientmaterial, e.g., a biocompatible polymer or other suitable material, tofacilitate engagement of plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly320′ with one another.

The use and operation of end effector assembly 320′ in conjunction withcartridge assembly 300 (FIG. 5A) is substantially similar to that of endeffector assembly 320, as will be described below. Therefore, the useand operation of end effector assembly 320′ will not be described hereinto avoid unnecessary repetition.

Turning now to FIG. 5D, in conjunction with FIG. 5A, another embodimentof a specimen retrieval bag 330′ configured for use with end effectorassembly 320 (or end effector assembly 320′ (FIG. 5C)) is shown.Specimen retrieval bag 330′ includes a closed end portion 332′ and anopenable and closable end portion or mouth 333′. Mouth 333′ of specimenretrieval bag 330′ is defined by an upper sleeve 334′ and a lower sleeve336′ interconnected by an intermediate portion 339′. Intermediateportion 339′ is weakened by perforation or scoring 341′ to facilitatetearing of the intermediate portion 339′ along scored line(s) 341′.

With continued reference to FIG. 5D, in conjunction with FIG. 5A, uppersleeve 334′ of specimen retrieval bag 330′ is adapted to receive arms328 therein, while lower sleeve 336′ is adapted to receive cinch cord350 therethrough. Scoring 341′ is adapted to tear upon proximal pullingof cinch cord 350 to close mouth 333′ such that detachment of specimenretrieval bag 330′ from arms 328 is effected simultaneously, or nearlysimultaneously, with the closure of mouth 333′. Further detail ofspecimen retrieval bag 330′ can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,372 toTovey et al., the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 5A, lock tab 400 includes a pair ofouter, curvate fingers 405, 407 defining a generally annular passageway409 therebetween, and a central finger 411 extending between outerfingers 405, 407 to bisect annular passageway 409. Lock tab 400 isconfigured for positioning about distal end 301 of tubular housing 302of cartridge assembly 300 to inhibit end effector assembly 320 frombeing transitioned to the deployed position. More specifically, lock tab400 is configured for positioning such that central finger 411 extendsthrough lock slot 314 of tubular housing 302 and into lumen 305 thereofto inhibit deployment of end effector assembly 320, while outer fingers405, 407 of lock tab 400 are disposed about distal end 301 of tubularhousing 302 to retain lock tab 400 in position about cartridge assembly300. Outer fingers 305, 307 may be configured such that the dimensionsof passageway 309 generally approximate or are slightly smaller than thedimensions of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 such thatouter fingers 305, 307 are resiliently flexed outwardly to receivetubular housing 302 therebetween. Accordingly, the bias of outer fingers305, 307 inwardly towards their at-rest position facilitates theretention of lock tab 400 about distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 ofcartridge assembly 300.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5A, pull ring 500 includes afinger loop 510 defining an aperture 550 therethrough. Finger loop 510includes a distal cuff 520 at distal end 512 thereof and a proximalcontact member 540 at proximal end 514 thereof. Second end 354 of cinchcord 350 extends through an aperture defined through finger loop 510 ofpull ring 500 and is knotted on the other side thereof. Alternatively,second end 354 of cinch cord 350 may be otherwise secured to finger loop510 of pull ring 500 in any suitable fashion, e.g., cinch cord 350 maybe tied about finger loop 510. Pull ring 500 is configured initially tobe positioned about cartridge assembly 300 towards distal end 301thereof (see FIG. 8) and is movable from this initial position to a useposition (see FIG. 11), wherein pull ring 500 is disposed adjacentproximal end 106 of tube assembly 100. Ultimately, pull ring 500 isdisengagable from tube assembly 100, as will be described in greaterdetail below, and is proximally translatable relative to surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 to cinch closed specimen retrieval bag 330.

Aperture 550 of pull ring 500 is dimensioned to receive a finger of theuser to facilitate grasping and translating pull ring 500. Distal cuff520 of pull ring 500 includes a pair of spaced-apart fingers 522, 524,that, similar to fingers 405, 407 of lock tab 400, are dimensioned todefine a passageway 526 that generally approximates or is slightlysmaller than the dimensions of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly300 and elongated tubular member 102 of tube assembly 100 such thatspaced-apart fingers 522, 524 may be engaged about either tubularhousing 302 or elongated tubular member 102 to retain pull ring 500thereon. Proximal contact member 540 includes an arcuate surface 542that is configured to sit about a portion of tubular housing 302 orelongated tubular member 102, depending on the position of pull ring500, e.g., the initial position (FIG. 8) or the use position (FIG. 11).

Turning now to FIGS. 6-21, the use and operation of surgical retrievalapparatus 10 will be described along with a more detailed description ofthe working components of surgical retrieval apparatus 10. As mentionedabove, cartridge assembly 300 (including tubular housing 302 and endeffector assembly 320), lock tab 400, and pull ring 500 are configuredas disposable components, while tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly200 are configured as reusable components. Thus, in preparation for use,a first cartridge assembly 300, lock tab 400 and pull ring 500 areobtained, while tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly 200 aresterilized for reuse. The disposable components, e.g., lock tab 400,pull ring 500, and cartridge assembly 300, may be pre-assembled andpackaged together as a disposable component kit, separate from thereusable components (tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly 200). Such aconfiguration is advantageous in that the user would simply need toobtain a second kit, or set of disposable components for the next use.

Referring to FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, as mentioned above, the disposablecomponents of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 may be pre-assembled andpackaged together in a kit for efficient assembly of the disposable andreusable components of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 for use. Morespecifically, end effector assembly 320 (FIG. 5A) is initially disposedwithin tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 in the retractedposition, lock tab 400 is engaged with distal end 301 of tubular housing302 with central finger 411 extending through lock slot 314, pull ring500 is positioned about cartridge assembly 300 towards distal end 301 oftubular housing 302, and cinch cord 350 extends from lumen 305 oftubular housing 302 (wherein cinch cord 350 is disposed through loop 334of specimen retrieval bag 330 of end effector assembly 320), throughcord aperture 318 of cord slot 316, ultimately engaging pull ring 500.With this first set of disposable components assembled together andready for use, tube assembly 100 may be engaged with cartridge assembly300.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 6, 7A and 7B, and initially to FIGS.6 and 7A, in order to engage tube assembly 100 and cartridge assembly300 with one another, cartridge assembly 300 is approximated relative totube assembly 100 such that cap 306 of tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300 is inserted proximally into lumen 104 of elongated tubularmember 102 of tube assembly 100. Head 310 of cap 306, as mentionedabove, tapers in diameter distally to proximally to facilitate insertionof cap 306 into lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102. Head 310 ofcap 306 further includes one or more relief slots 312 defined thereinthat are configured to permit compression of head 306 to permit passageof head 310 of cap 306 into lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102.Further, a lip 309 is formed between head 310 and neck 308 of cap 306,the importance of which will be described below.

As cap 306 is inserted into lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102,proximal end 311 a of head 310 is compressed to permit insertion of cap306 into elongated tubular member 102. Head 310 of cap 306, due to itstapered configuration, defines a minimum diameter at proximal end 311 athereof to facilitate the advancement and compression of cap 306 intolumen 104. Upon further advancement of head of cap 206 into lumen 104,distal end 311 b of head 310, which defines the maximum diameter of head310, is compressed to permit complete passage of head 310 of cap 306into lumen 104. Relief slot(s) 312 and the angled outer peripheralsurface 311 c of head 310, as mentioned above, cooperate to facilitatethe insertion and compression of head 310 as cap 306 is urged furtherinto lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102.

As distal end 311 b of head 310 enters lumen 104, distal end 311 b ofhead 310 eventually approximates annular recess 120, wherein an audibleand/or tactile “snap” or click” is produced as head 310 is resilientlybiased or decompressed back to its initial position and into engagementwithin annular recess 120. This “snap” or “click” alerts the user thatcartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 are securely engaged withone another, inhibiting longitudinal and rotational movement ofcartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 relative to one another. Inother words, cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 are engagedwith one another by snap-fitting, which provides an audible and/ortactile feedback signal to the user indicating that cartridge assembly300 and tube assembly 100 are engaged with one another. In this engagedposition, as shown in FIG. 7B, distal end 108 of elongated tubularmember 102 of tube assembly 100 and proximal end 303 of tubular housing302 of cartridge assembly 300 abut one another, while the engagement ofdistal end 311 a and lip 309 of head 310 of cartridge assembly 300within annular recess 120 of tube assembly 100 inhibits disengagement,or withdrawal of cartridge assembly 300 from tube assembly 100, therebymaintaining cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 in engagementwith one another.

Turning now to FIGS. 8-11, with cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly100 engaged with one another, as described above, plunger assembly 200may be inserted through tube assembly 100 and into cartridge assembly300 to engage plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320 withone another, e.g., plunger assembly 200 may be transitioned from thedisengaged position (FIG. 8), wherein plunger assembly 200 is disengagedfrom surgical retrieval apparatus 10, to the proximal use position (FIG.11), wherein plunger assembly 200 is operably engaged with end effectorassembly 320. During transitioning of plunger assembly 200 to theproximal use position, both lock tab 400 and pull ring 500 remaindisposed about distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300.

In order to engage plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320with one another, i.e., in order to transition plunger assembly 200 tothe proximal use position, shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 is inserteddistally through lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102 and intolumen 305 of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300. As shown inFIG. 9A, as shaft 220 is inserted into lumen 305 of tubular housing 302of cartridge assembly 300, distal head portion 240 of shaft 220eventually enters hollow proximal end 327 of push bar 322. Upon furtherdistal insertion of plunger assembly 200 towards the proximal useposition, as shown in FIG. 9B, distal head portion 240 is compressedand/or hollow proximal end 327 of push bar 322 is expanded such thatdistal head potion 240 is permitted to pass through annular protrusion328 defined within hollow proximal end 327 of push bar 322. Angled edges243 of distal head portion 240, as mentioned above, facilitate theinsertion of distal head portion 240 into hollow proximal end 327 ofpush bar 322 and through annular protrusion 328 thereof. Ultimately,distal head portion 240 of shaft 220 passes through annular protrusion328 of push bar 322 such that annular recess 242, which is definedbetween distal head portion 240 and distal segment 222 of shaft 220, andannular protrusion 328 of push bar 322 are resiliently biased intoengagement with one another. More specifically, as distal head portion240 of shaft 220 is decompressed and/or as hollow proximal end 327 ofpush bar 322 is returned from its expanded state, annular protrusion 328and annular recess 242 are engaged with one another to engage endeffector assembly 320 and plunger assembly 200 with one another.Further, an audible and/or tactile “snap” or “click” may be producedupon snap-fit engagement of shaft 220 and push bar 322 with one another,e.g., upon engagement annular protrusion 328 within annular recess 242.This “snap” or “click” provides an audible and/or tactile feedbacksignal to the user indicating that plunger assembly 200 and end effectorassembly 320 are engaged with one another.

In the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 9B, push bar 322 is retainedin engagement with shaft 220 due to the engagement of annular protrusion328 of hollow proximal end 327 of push bar 322 within annular recess 242defined between distal head portion 240 and distal segment 222 of shaft220, thus maintaining a secure engagement between plunger assembly 200and end effector assembly 320. Annular protrusion 328 and annular recess242 may further include complementary features, e.g., similarly angledsurfaces, or other features, such that the interior surface of hollowproximal end 327 of push bar 322 forming annular protrusion 328 and theouter surface of shaft 220 forming annular recess 242 substantially matewith one another.

Referring also to FIG. 10, as mentioned above, lock tab 400 remainsengaged about distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 during engagement ofplunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320 with one another.That is, with central finger 411 of lock tab 400 extending through lockslot 314 of tubular housing 302 and into lumen 305 thereof, deploymentof end effector assembly 320 is inhibited. Accordingly, push bar 322 isinhibited from being urged distally during engagement of plungerassembly 200 and end effector assembly 320, thus facilitating theengagement of plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320 byretaining push bar 322 in a substantially fixed position, and alsoinhibiting accidental deployment of end effector assembly 320. Thus,upon engagement of plunger assembly 200 and end effector assembly 320,plunger assembly 200 is moved from the disengaged position to theproximal use position, but is inhibited from being transitioned to thedistal use position (which effects deployment of end effector assembly320) due to the engagement of lock tab 400 about distal end 301 ofcartridge assembly 300.

Turning now to FIGS. 11-12, with cartridge assembly 300 engaged withtube assembly 100 and with plunger assembly 200 engaged with endeffector assembly 320 in the proximal use position, surgical retrievalapparatus 10 is fully assembled for use. Once this fully assembledcondition has been achieved, and in preparation for use, lock tab 400 isremoved from distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 cartridge assembly300, i.e., central finger 411 is withdrawn from lock slot 314, and isdiscarded. Removal of lock tab 400 permits selective movement of plungerassembly 200 between the proximal and distal use positions to move endeffector assembly 320 between the retracted and deployed positions,i.e., removal of lock tab 400 “unlocks” end effector assembly 320. It isnoted that, once lock tab 400 has been removed, end effector assembly320 still remains disposed in the retracted position and is inhibitedfrom inadvertent movement due to the frictional engagement of O-rings326 a, 326 b disposed about push bar 322 (FIG. 5A) with the internalsurface of tubular housing 302.

Pull ring 500 is also removed from distal end 301 of tubular housing 302of cartridge assembly 300 in preparation for use. Pull ring 500, whichis initially disposed towards distal end 301 of tubular housing 302, ismoved from the initial position to the use position, wherein pull ring400 is disposed about grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100. Morespecifically, pull ring 500 is moved from the initial position to theuse position, wherein pull ring 500 is positioned such that distal cuff520 of pull ring 500 is disposed about proximal segment 118 of elongatedtubular member 102 of tube assembly 100, i.e., between annular cuff 114and grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100, while proximal contactmember 540 of pull ring 500 extends proximally beyond tube assembly 100to rest atop the portion of shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 adjacentto grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100. The positioning of distalcuff 520 of pull ring 500 between annular cuff 114 and grasping portion110 of elongated tubular member 102 of tube assembly 100 maintains pullring 500 in substantially fixed longitudinal position relative toelongated tubular member 102.

With continued reference to FIGS. 11-12, although second end 354 ofcinch cord 350 is pulled proximally due to the movement of pull ring 500from distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 toproximal end 106 of elongated tubular member 102 of tube assembly 100(due to the engagement of second end 354 of cinch cord 350 with pullring 500), cinch cord 350 is provided with sufficient slack such thatspecimen retrieval bag 330 is not cinched closed during this movement ofpull ring 500. Rather, in this position, cinch cord 350, in asubstantially un-tensioned state, simply extends distally from lumen 104of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300, through cord aperture318 of cord slot 316 defined within tubular housing 302, and proximallyalong the outer periphery of tubular housing 302 and elongated tubularmember 102, ultimately engaging pull ring 500. Further, as shown in FIG.12, at this point, end effector assembly 320 remains disposed withinlumen 305 of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300, i.e., endeffector assembly 320 remains in the retracted position, wherein arms328 are disposed in close proximity to one another and wherein specimenretrieval bag 330 remains rolled or folded within lumen 305.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, with surgical retrieval apparatus 10 fullyassembled, plunger assembly 200 engaged with end effector assembly 320in the proximal use position, lock tab 400 removed from cartridgeassembly 300, and pull ring 500 moved to the use position, surgicalretrieval device 10 is ready for use. In use, surgical retrieval device10 is initially inserted, lead by distal end 301 of tubular housing 302of cartridge assembly 300, into an internal surgical site, or bodycavity “C,” e.g., surgical retrieval device 10 is inserted through asurgical access portal 600 positioned within an opening or incision “I”in tissue “T,” although surgical retrieval apparatus 10 mayalternatively be directly inserted through the opening or incision “I,”or may be used in conjunction with any other suitable access portal (notshown). As can be appreciated, in this initial position, with endeffector assembly 320 retracted within cartridge assembly 300, surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 defines a reduced diameter to facilitate passageof cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 through access portal600, the opening or incision “I” in tissue “T,” and into the internalsurgical site “C.” Cinch cord 350, which extends proximally along theouter surface of cartridge assembly 300 and tube assembly 100 to engagepull ring 500, is disposed through cord aperture 318 of cord slot 316(FIG. 15) at distal end 301 of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly300 so as to inhibit catching or otherwise interfering with theinsertion of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 into the internal surgicalsite “C.”

Referring momentarily to FIGS. 13C-13D, surgical retrieval apparatus 10is shown inserted through a cannula 600′ disposed within the incision“I” in tissue “T.” Although one embodiment of a cannula 600′ is shown inFIGS. 13C-13C, it is envisioned that other suitable cannulas and/oraccess portals may also be provided for use with surgical retrievalapparatus 10. Cannula 600′ generally includes a housing 610′ and anouter sleeve 620′ that is configured to permit passage of surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 therethrough to facilitate the positioning ofcartridge assembly 300 within the internal surgical site “C.” Cannula600′ may be used in conjunction with a trocar (not shown) to piercetissue and/or provide access to the internal surgical site “C,” with thetrocar (not shown) subsequently being removed to permit insertion ofsurgical retrieval apparatus 10 through cannula 600′. The use ofsurgical retrieval apparatus 10 in conjunction with cannula 600′ issubstantially similar to the use of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 inconjunction with access portal 600 and, thus, will not be repeatedherein to avoid unnecessary repetition.

With reference to FIGS. 14A-14B and 15, once surgical retrievalapparatus 10 has been inserted into the internal surgical site “C” andmanipulated into position, plunger assembly 200 may be translateddistally relative to tube assembly 100 from the proximal use position tothe distal use position such that shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 isadvanced distally through lumen 104 of elongated tubular member 102 andinto lumen 305 of tubular housing 302. In order to move plunger assembly200 relative to tube assembly 100, the user grasps handle 210 of plungerassembly 200 and translated plunger assembly 200 distally while alsograsping flanges 130 of grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100 tomaintain tube assembly 100 and cartridge assembly 300 in substantiallystationary position. As plunger assembly 200 is advanced distallyrelative to and through tube assembly 100 and cartridge assembly 300,proximal contact 540 of pull ring 500 is translated along the outerperipheral surface of proximal segment 226 of shaft 220 until proximalcontact 540 of pull ring 500 abuts second step 234 formed along shaft220 between proximal segment 226 and neck 230 thereof (see FIG. 19A).The abutment of proximal contact 540 and second step 234 inhibitsfurther distal translation of plunger assembly 200 and defines thedistal use position of plunger assembly 200 (see FIG. 19A). Thisposition, as detailed below, corresponds to the deployed position of endeffector assembly 320. Thus, second step 234 of shaft 220 helps ensureproper and fully deployment of end effector assembly 320 by inhibitingover-translation of plunger assembly 200 beyond the distal use position(see FIG. 19A).

As mentioned above, due to the engagement of annular protrusion 328 ofpush bar 322 of end effector assembly 320 and annular recess 242 ofdistal head portion 240 of shaft 220 of plunger assembly 200 (see FIG.9B), distal translation of plunger assembly 200 from the proximal useposition to the distal use position effects corresponding distaltranslation of push bar 322 and, thus, end effector assembly 320,relative to cartridge assembly 300. More specifically, as plungerassembly 200 is translated distally through tube assembly 100 andcartridge assembly 300 from the proximal use position to the distal useposition, end effector assembly 320 is urged from the retracted positionto the deployed position to deploy arms 328 and specimen retrieval bag330 from tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300. As arms 328 ofend effector assembly 320 emerge from tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300, specimen retrieval bag 330 is deployed, or unrolled, tothe open condition, as shown in FIG. 14B. That is, the bias of arms 328towards the spaced-apart, curvate configuration and the bias of supportmember 340 (FIG. 5B) disposed within specimen retrieval bag 330facilitates the deployment of specimen retrieval bag 330 to the opencondition as end effector assembly 320 emerges from cartridge assembly300.

With end effector assembly 320 of surgical retrieval apparatus 10disposed within the internal surgical site “C” in the deployed conditionsuch that specimen retrieval bag 330 is disposed in the open condition,the specimen of tissue “S” may be moved into specimen retrieval bag 330,e.g., via manipulation of surgical retrieval apparatus 10 and/or via useof additional surgical instrumentation (e.g., a surgical grasper (notshown)). As shown in FIG. 15, at this point, cinch cord 350 remainsdisposed in a substantially un-tensioned position such that specimenretrieval bag 330 is retained in an open condition under the bias ofarms 328 of end effector assembly 320. Once the specimen of tissue “S”to be retrieved is disposed within specimen retrieval bag 330, specimenretrieval bag 330 may be cinched closed and subsequently removed fromthe internal surgical site “C.”

With reference to FIGS. 15-18, in order to cinch closed specimenretrieval bag 330 to secure the specimen of tissue “S” therein, pullring 500 is disengaged from tube assembly 100 and is translatedproximally relative to surgical retrieval apparatus 10, as best shown inFIG. 16. Cinch cord 350, as mentioned above, extends through loop 334formed at open end 333 of specimen retrieval bag 330, with first end 352of cinch cord 350 looped around second end 354 of cinch cord 350 on adistal side of cord slot 316 and with second end 354 of cinch cord 350extending proximally through cord aperture 318 of cord slot 316 toengage pull ring 500. Thus, as pull ring 500 is translated proximally,second end 354 of cinch cord 350 is likewise translated proximally toincreasingly tension the portion of cinch cord 350 disposed through loop334 of specimen retrieval bag 330, thereby constricting, or cinchingclosed open end 333 of specimen retrieval bag 330. Further, since firstend 352 of cinch cord 350 is looped about second end 354 of cinch cord350 on a distal side of cord slot 316, the looped first end 352 of cinchcord 350 is inhibited from passing proximally through cord aperture 318of cord slot 316. As such, proximal translation of pull ring 500 doesnot effect translation of specimen retrieval bag 330, but, rather,effects only tensioning of cinch cord 350 about open end 333 of specimenretrieval bag 330 to cinch closed specimen retrieval bag 330. Further,the looping of first end 352 of cinch cord 350 about second end 354thereof may also be configured to inhibit un-tensioning of cinch cord350, thereby maintaining specimen retrieval bag 330 in thecinched-closed condition without requiring the user to maintain thetension on second end 354 of cinch cord 350.

With specimen retrieval bag 330 cinched closed with the specimen oftissue “S” therein, end effector assembly 320 may be returned to theretracted position such that surgical retrieval device 10 and specimenretrieval bag 330 may be removed from the internal surgical site “C.” Inorder to return surgical retrieval device 10 the to retracted position,the user once again grasps handle 210 of plunger assembly 200 andflanges 130 of grasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100 and translatesplunger assembly 200 proximally relative to tube assembly 100. Due tothe engagement of annular protrusion 328 of push bar 322 of end effectorassembly 320 and annular recess 242 of distal head portion 240 of shaft220 (see FIG. 9B), proximal translation of plunger assembly 200 from thedistal use position back to the proximal use position effectscorresponding proximal translation of push bar 322 to translate arms 328of end effector assembly 320 back into lumen 305 of tubular housing 302of cartridge assembly 300. With cinch cord 350 disposed through cordaperture 318 of cord slot 316 and cinched about specimen retrieval bag330, translation of arms 328 of end effector assembly 320 back intolumen 305 of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 effectswithdrawal of arms 328 from loop 334 of specimen retrieval bag 330 suchthat specimen retrieval bag 330 remains disposed within the internalsurgical site “C,” distally of cartridge assembly 300, despite theretraction of end effector assembly 320 back into cartridge assembly300. Alternatively, with reference also to FIG. 5D, in embodiments wherespecimen retrieval bag 330′ is used, upon proximal translation ofplunger assembly 200 from the distal use position back to the proximaluse position, arms 328 and upper sleeve 334′ of specimen retrieval bag330′ are pulled back into lumen 305 of tubular housing 302 of cartridgeassembly 300, while the remainder of specimen retrieval bag 330′, whichwas separated from upper sleeve 334′ along scoring 341′ of intermediateportion 339′ during closure of specimen retrieval bag 330′, remainsdisposed within the internal surgical site “C,” distally of cartridgeassembly 300.

Once end effector assembly 320 has been retracted back within cartridgeassembly 300, surgical retrieval apparatus 10, once again defining areduced diameter, may be withdrawn from the internal surgical site “C”through access portal 600 (or cannula 600′ (FIGS. 13C-13D) disposedwithin the opening or incision “I” in tissue “T.” Thereafter, as shownin FIG. 18, specimen retrieval bag 330, lead by pull ring 500 and cinchcord 350, may likewise be withdrawn from the internal surgical site “C”through access portal 600.

At the completion of the tissue specimen “S” removal procedure, surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 is disassembled such that the reusablecomponents, e.g., tube assembly 100 and plunger assembly 200 may besterilized for reuse, while the first set of disposable components,e.g., cartridge assembly 300, lock tab 400, and pull ring 500, may bediscarded. As described above, specimen retrieval bag 330, lock tab 400,and pull ring 500 are disengaged from the remainder of surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 during use, and, thus, may be disposed of at thecompletion of the procedure. Cartridge assembly 300, on the other hand,remains engaged with tube assembly 100 throughout use of surgicalretrieval apparatus 10 and, thus, is required to be disengaged from tubeassembly 100 at the completion of the procedure.

Turning now to FIGS. 19A-21, in order to disengage cartridge assembly300 from tube assembly 100 and to disengage plunger assembly 200 fromend effector assembly 320 of cartridge assembly 300, plunger assembly200 is translated from the proximal use position (FIG. 11), past thedistal use position (FIG. 19A), to the eject position (FIG. 19B). Thatis, with pull ring 500 no longer disposed in the use position aboutgrasping portion 110 of tube assembly 100 (see FIG. 19A), distaltranslation of plunger assembly 200 beyond the distal use position is nolonger inhibited by the abutment of proximal contact 540 of pull ring500 and second step 234 of shaft 220. As such, plunger assembly 200 maybe translated beyond the distal use position to the eject position, asshown in FIG. 19B.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-20B and 21, as plunger assembly 200 is translateddistally from the proximal use position towards the eject position,distal segment 222 of shaft 220 is translated distally through lumen 305of tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 and proximal segment226 of shaft 220 is translated distally through lumen 104 of elongatedtubular member 102 of tube assembly 100 towards cap 306 of tubularhousing 302 of cartridge assembly 300. Distal segment 222 of shaft 220,as mentioned above, defines a diameter “d₁” that is sufficiently smallso as to permit passage of distal segment 222 of shaft 220 through lumen305 of tubular housing 300. Proximal segment 226 of shaft 220, on theother hand, defines a relatively larger diameter “d₂” that is largerthan the diameter of lumen 305 so to inhibit passage of proximal segment226 into lumen 305 of tubular housing 302. Accordingly, as plungerassembly 200 is translated further distally towards the eject position,angled surface 233 b defined by recess 233 a and first step 232,eventually abuts proximal end 311 a of head 310 of cap 306. In otherwords, first step 232, due to the relatively larger diameter “d₂” ofproximal segment 226 of shaft 220 as compared to diameter “d₁” of distalsegment 222 of shaft 220, is inhibited from passing through lumen 305and, instead, abuts proximal end 311 a of head 310 of cap 306. Uponfurther distal translation of plunger assembly 200 towards the ejectposition, angled surface 233 of recess 233 a and first step 232 is urgeddistally into proximal end 311 a of head 310 of cap 306 such that head310, facilitated by relief slots 312, is compressed to a reduceddiameter. The compression of head 310 of cap 306 disengages lip 309 anddistal end 311 b of head 310 from within annular recess 120 definedwithin elongated tubular member 102 and, thereafter, urges head 310distally, such that cartridge assembly 300 is disengaged, or ejectedfrom tube assembly 100. Ejection of cartridge assembly 300 may beconfirmed by an audible and/or tactile “snap” or “click,” indicatingthat lip 309 and distal end 311 b of head 310 have been disengaged fromwithin annular recess 120 of elongated tubular member 102.

Once cartridge assembly 300 has been disengaged from tube assembly 100,as described above, the user may grasp handle 210 of plunger assembly200 and tubular housing 302 of cartridge assembly 300 and translateplunger assembly 200 and cartridge assembly 300 apart from one anotherto disengage annular protrusion 328 and annular recess 242 from oneanother (FIGS. 9A-9B). More specifically, with additional reference toFIGS. 9A and 9B, upon moving plunger assembly 200 and cartridge assembly300 apart from one another, distal head portion 240 of shaft 220 iscompressed and/or hollow proximal end 327 of push bar 322 is expandedsuch that distal head potion 240 is permitted to pass proximally backthrough annular protrusion 328, thereby disengaging annular protrusion328 from within annular recess 242. With annular protrusion 328 andannular recess 242 no longer engaged with one another, shaft 220 ofplunger assembly 200 may be withdrawn from hollow proximal end 327 ofpush bar 322 of end effector assembly 320. Thereafter, cartridgeassembly 300, including end effector assembly 320, may be discarded.Plunger assembly 200 may then be removed from tube assembly 100 suchthat plunger assembly 200 and tube assembly 100 may be sterilized forreuse.

As can be appreciated, adequate sterilization of tube assembly 100 andplunger assembly 200 is readily achieved due to the minimal complexfeatures of these components. The construction of tube assembly 100 andplunger assembly 200 from a strong, durable material, e.g., stainlesssteel, inhibits wear and fatigue of these components throughout aplurality of uses. Cartridge assembly 300, lock tab 400, and pull ring500, on the other hand, are disposable components that are replaced witha new, second set of disposable components for the next use.Accordingly, these components need not be configured to withstandsterilization or a plurality of uses. Further, surgical retrievalapparatus 10 is advantageous in that substantial disassembly and/orcomplex sterilization procedures are avoided without requiring anentirely new instrument for each use.

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings,those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications canalso be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scopeof the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shownin the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limitedthereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope asthe art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting,but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilledin the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spiritof the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical apparatus, comprising: a tube having afirst lumen extending longitudinally therethrough; a cartridge assemblyincluding a housing defining a second lumen extending longitudinallytherethrough and an end effector assembly operably disposed within thesecond lumen, the housing of the cartridge assembly configured toreleasably engage the tube such that the first and second lumenscommunicate with one another; a plunger configured for insertion throughthe first and second lumens from a more proximal position, correspondingto a retracted position of the end effector assembly wherein the endeffector assembly is retracted within the second lumen, to a more distalposition, corresponding to a deployed position of the end effectorassembly wherein the plunger urges the end effector assembly distallysuch that at least a portion of the end effector assembly is deployeddistally from the second lumen; and a lock tab releasably engageablewith the cartridge assembly distal to the end effector assembly, thelock tab including a finger configured to extend at least partially intothe second lumen when the lock tab is engaged with the cartridgeassembly such that the finger inhibits deployment of the end effectorassembly.
 2. The surgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thetube and the housing of the cartridge assembly are configured forreleasable snap-fit engagement with one another.
 3. The surgicalapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger is further movablethrough the first and second lumens to an eject position to disengagethe tube and the housing of the cartridge assembly from one another. 4.The surgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plunger isconfigured to releasably engage the end effector assembly such thatmovement of the plunger between the more proximal and more distalpositions similarly moves the end effector assembly.
 5. The surgicalapparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plunger and the end effectorassembly are configured for releasable snap-fit engagement with oneanother.
 6. The surgical apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endeffector assembly includes a specimen retrieval bag configured to deploydistally from the second lumen upon movement of the end effectorassembly to the deployed position.
 7. The surgical apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the lock tab is configured for releasable engagementabout at portion of an exterior surface of the housing of the cartridgeassembly, and wherein the finger of the lock tab is configured to extendfrom the exterior surface of the housing through a slot defined withinthe housing into the second lumen.
 8. A surgical apparatus, comprising:a tube; a cartridge assembly extending distally from the tube, thecartridge assembly including a housing, the housing and the tubecooperating to define a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, thehousing including an end effector assembly operably disposed therein; aplunger configured for insertion through the lumen from a more proximalposition, corresponding to a retracted position of the end effectorassembly wherein the end effector assembly is retracted within thelumen, to a more distal position, corresponding to a deployed positionof the end effector assembly wherein at least a portion of the endeffector assembly is deployed distally from the lumen; and a lock tabreleasably engageable about a portion of the exterior of the housing ofthe cartridge assembly distal to the end effector assembly, the lock tabincluding a finger configured to extend through a slot defined withinthe housing at least partially into the lumen when the lock tab isengaged about the portion of the exterior of the housing such that thefinger inhibits deployment of the end effector assembly.
 9. The surgicalapparatus according to claim 8, wherein the tube and the housing of thecartridge assembly are separate components configured for releasableengagement with one another.
 10. The surgical apparatus according toclaim 9, wherein the plunger is further movable through the lumen to aneject position to disengage the tube and the housing of the cartridgeassembly from one another.
 11. The surgical apparatus according to claim8, wherein the plunger is configured to engage the end effector assemblysuch that movement of the plunger between the more proximal and moredistal positions similarly moves the end effector assembly.
 12. Thesurgical apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the end effectorassembly includes a specimen retrieval bag configured to deploy distallyfrom the lumen upon movement of the end effector assembly to thedeployed position.
 13. A surgical apparatus, comprising: a tube having afirst lumen extending longitudinally therethrough; a cartridge assemblyincluding a housing defining a second lumen extending longitudinallytherethrough and an end effector assembly movably disposed within thesecond lumen, the housing of the cartridge assembly configured toreleasably engage the tube such that the first and second lumenscommunicate with one another; a plunger configured for insertion throughthe first lumen and into the second lumen to engage the end effectorassembly within the second lumen; and a lock tab releasably engaged withthe cartridge assembly distal to the end effector assembly, the lock tabconfigured to inhibit distal movement of the end effector assemblyrelative to the housing when engaged with the cartridge assembly tofacilitate engagement of the plunger with the end effector assembly uponinsertion of the plunger through the first lumen and into the secondlumen, wherein, with the plunger engaged with the end effector assemblyand the lock tab removed, the plunger is movable through the first andsecond lumens between a more proximal position, corresponding to aretracted position of the end effector assembly wherein the end effectorassembly is retracted within the second lumen, and a more distalposition, corresponding to a deployed position of the end effectorassembly wherein the at least a portion of the end effector assembly isdeployed distally from the second lumen.
 14. The surgical apparatusaccording to claim 13, wherein the tube and the housing of the cartridgeassembly are configured for releasable snap-fit engagement with oneanother.
 15. The surgical apparatus according to claim 13, wherein theplunger is further movable through the first and second lumens to aneject position to disengage the tube and the housing of the cartridgeassembly from one another.
 16. The surgical apparatus according to claim13, wherein the plunger and the end effector assembly are configured forreleasable snap-fit engagement with one another.
 17. The surgicalapparatus according to claim 13, wherein the end effector assemblyincludes a specimen retrieval bag configured to deploy distally from thesecond lumen upon movement of the end effector assembly to the deployedposition.
 18. The surgical apparatus according to claim 13, wherein thelock tab is configured for releasable engagement about at portion of anexterior surface of the housing of the cartridge assembly, and whereinthe finger of the lock tab is configured to extend from the exteriorsurface of the housing through a slot defined within the housing andinto the second lumen to engage the end effector assembly therein.